Struggling to find Theophylline at your pharmacy? Learn why this asthma and COPD medication is hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.
If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Theophylline, you're not alone. Patients across the country have been struggling to fill their Theophylline prescriptions since shortages began in 2022 — and the problem hasn't fully resolved heading into 2026.
Theophylline is a medication that millions of people depend on to breathe easier. When you can't find it, the situation feels urgent — because it is. Let's break down what's going on, why it's happening, and what you can do right now.
Theophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator — a type of medication that relaxes the muscles around your airways and helps reduce inflammation in your lungs. It's been used for decades to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
You might know it by former brand names like Theo-24, Elixophyllin, Theochron, or Uniphyl. Today, most people take the generic extended-release tablet form. It's typically taken once or twice a day, and your doctor monitors your blood levels regularly because Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic window — meaning the difference between a helpful dose and a dangerous one is small.
To learn more about how this medication works in your body, check out our guide on how Theophylline works.
Theophylline is an older, inexpensive generic medication. Because profit margins are thin, several manufacturers have stopped producing it or scaled back production over the past few years. When only a handful of companies make a drug, any disruption at one factory can ripple across the entire supply.
The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Theophylline is sourced from a limited number of suppliers globally. Supply chain disruptions — including shipping delays and quality control issues at API facilities — have contributed to production slowdowns since 2022.
The FDA has listed Theophylline extended-release tablets on its Drug Shortage database multiple times since 2022. Certain strengths (like 300 mg and 400 mg) and the oral solution formulation have been especially affected. When a shortage is active, pharmacies can't order enough stock to fill every prescription.
While newer inhaled medications have largely replaced Theophylline for many patients, it remains essential for people who don't respond well to inhalers or who need it as an add-on therapy. Regional demand spikes — especially during respiratory illness seasons — can make the supply gap worse.
Don't panic, but don't wait until your last pill either. Here are steps you can take:
For more detailed tips, read our article on how to find Theophylline in stock near you.
Theophylline shortages are frustrating, especially when you depend on this medication to manage a chronic condition like asthma or COPD. The good news is that the drug hasn't been discontinued — manufacturers are still producing it, and supply is expected to stabilize as production ramps back up.
In the meantime, tools like Medfinder can save you time and stress by showing you which pharmacies near you actually have Theophylline on the shelf. Stay proactive, communicate with your healthcare team, and don't skip doses without medical guidance.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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